Assessing the biggest game so far at the 2023 Rugby World Cup: Everything is predicated on the capacity of the Irish forwards to cope with South Africa's set-piece onslaught

Travelling around France, our columnist finds himself in La Rochelle, with its coffee shops, restaurants and a magnificent food market reminiscent in so many ways of Cork's own English Market

The games against Tonga and Romania were a means to an end, the value of which can only be truly evaluated after the South African game.

Jacques Nienaber’s side appear to have timed their run to this tournament perfectly but are yet to reach their peak, which makes our Round 3 clash with them a 50/50 affair.

In sweltering conditions, there was plenty for Ireland supporters to be enthused about on Saturday in Bordeaux.

Opening weekend talking points: A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since Johnny Sexton was forced off the field in Ireland’s Grand Slam decider

I think we would have done a marvelous job in hosting the event, showcasing the best aspects the country has to offer on a world stage

It says something about the bizarre nature of this World Cup draw that four key pool games take place on the opening weekend

The fairy godmother has appeared and offered Andy Farrell one wish: his pick of France or New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-final at the Stade de France. Who does he pick?

With the increasing incidence of red cards around the tackle and clear out - and subsequent suspensions becoming a real threat to player availability - the dynamics around every squad can change overnight